The trip began with an impressive 3-1 win over Aberdeen Reserves at the Balmoral Stadium, before they travelled to Edinburgh to take on Hibernian at Easter Road in a 3-2 defeat.

Reflecting on the trip, Neil explained: “It’s been an amazing trip, I’m really happy with it. It’s flown by, which is a good sign, and I’m thoroughly delighted with the way we we’ve played against Aberdeen, and the second half against Hibernian. It’s time to go back to Jersey Road to push them."

Following the win over Aberdeen, the Bees were met with a clinical and experienced Hibs side, but despite falling behind 3-0 in the first half, Neil was delighted with the way that his side responded.

He continued: “It was a role reversal of the match against Aberdeen when we started on fire, but we were slow out of the blocks and Hibs, to their credit, started on the front foot. Overall, I was pleased with the young group, Hibs played a strong side with five or six players that have been in and around their first team. It was a fantastic test for our young group and the way we responded to going 3-0 down was a pleasing aspect.

“I’ve said it before, we don’t like losing football matches but there is a way to lose, and in the second half, I thought some of our football was fantastic and I felt we deserved a draw. We didn’t get it, and we’ll move on."

With the young players 3-0 down at Easter Road, Neil was pleased to see his team show a great deal of character and spirit to claw their way back into the match and he believes that is testament to the group

“I love the group, they’re an amazing group, said Neil. “We’ve seen over the four days the way they go about their business, up at Aberdeen it was a great victory, they’ve trained properly.

“The first goal gave us a boost and then we got the fine finish in the second half to get back to 3-2, but the third goal was elusive. But I’ve got no complaints at the way we kept pushing at the end.”

Gustav Mogensen netted three times over the two matches, with two coming against Aberdeen before his excellent finish against Hibs to make the score 3-2. Having been in scoring form, Neil praised his performances.

He continued: “I thought at Aberdeen he was sensational. A big part of the game when you play this way is the link and he brought our midfield players into the game and helped allow our forwards to run in behind. I thought in the first half he didn’t get to those standards, but in the second half he certainly did and that allowed the team to flourish.”